Gen Z Says You’re ‘Officially Old’ If You Still Wear This Shoe on a Night Out
A TikTok trend exposes the generational divide
If you’re heading out for a big night and think slipping into your trusty heels is the stylish choice, Gen Z has news for you: that decision makes you look “officially old.”
The younger generation has been taking aim at everything from outdated emojis (the thumbs-up is “passive-aggressive,” apparently) to phrases that once defined youth culture (“YOLO” is now labeled boomer-speak). But now, they’ve shifted their focus to nightlife fashion — specifically, footwear.
A TikTok trend exposes the generational divide
A TikTok posted in July has already racked up nearly six million views, showing a crowded bar on a Friday night. At first glance, nothing seems unusual — until you notice what almost every young woman in the clip has in common.
Instead of stilettos or strappy heels, every single one of them is wearing trainers. Paired with jeans and a nice top, sneakers have become the go-to choice for Gen Z women heading out on the town.
For millennials and older generations, this shift feels dramatic. Many recall the era when nights out involved skyscraper heels, aching arches, and women carrying their stilettos home barefoot after hours of dancing. Now, those scenes are being replaced by practicality — and, according to Gen Z, comfort is cool.
Nights out look very different nowadays.
Heels out, sneakers in
The comments section of the viral video has been flooded with opinions. Some older users expressed disbelief at how casual nightlife fashion has become. One person wrote: “In a sea of mom jeans, be a green dress lady.” Another added: “OMG I would have hated this when I was in my 20s. The best part of going out was getting all dolled up.”
Others reminisced about stricter dress codes in their younger days: “I remember when we couldn’t enter if we had jeans on.” And one nostalgic commenter pleaded: “Bring back Paris Hilton club fashion.”
But younger users defended the trend, pointing out that sneakers don’t just make nights out more comfortable — they also make them last longer. Without the pain of high heels, Gen Z says they can dance more, walk home without limping, and enjoy the evening without worrying about carrying an extra pair of flats in their bag.
Gen Z prefer to wear sneakers on nights out.
UnsplashWhy comfort is the new status symbol
Fashion experts argue that Gen Z’s embrace of trainers isn’t just about practicality, it’s part of a bigger cultural shift. Social media has amplified the rise of “casual chic,” with influencers and celebrities normalizing relaxed, versatile looks. Luxury brands have even leaned into the movement, releasing high-end sneakers that cost as much as traditional designer heels.
It also reflects a broader trend of rejecting fashion “rules” that once dictated how women should present themselves on nights out. The idea that you must suffer in stilettos to look glamorous is increasingly being replaced by the belief that true confidence comes from comfort.
Fashion experts argue that Gen Z’s embrace of trainers isn’t just about practicality; it’s part of a bigger cultural shift. S
UnsplashThe generational clash continues
Whether you see it as stylish or sloppy, one thing is clear: Gen Z has firmly planted its flag in sneaker territory. For them, trainers aren’t just footwear, they’re a symbol of freedom from outdated expectations.
And while millennials and older generations may roll their eyes at this new uniform of jeans, a cute top, and flat shoes, Gen Z insists that this is what modern nightlife looks like — and if you’re still rocking heels, well, that might just make you “officially old.”